Three new scientific studies show evidence that smoking in films is linked to the tobacco epidemic. The European Network for Smoking Prevention (ENSP) has decided to raise awareness on the impact of smoking in films, and to advocate measures to reduce substantially the exposure of children and adolescents to smoking in films.
At European level, the legislation (Directive 2003/33/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 May 2003) bans direct and indirect tobacco advertising in the print media, on the radio and over internet in Europe, but not in cinemas. Neither does the TV Without Frontier Directive.
By casting light on this new scientific evidence, ENSP recommends the following measures to be taken at European and national levels:
– Requiring producers of films featuring smoking to certify that no-one attached to the production received any consideration from the tobacco industry or its agents ;
– Requiring anti-smoking advertisements before films with smoking, in any distribution channel ;
– Ensuring that tobacco branding is no longer evident in films;
-Awarding future films portraying smoking so that admission to persons aged 17 and younger is only allowed in the company of a parent or adult guardian, thereby creating a market incentive to keep the films most seen by teens smoke-free ;
– Banning smoking in films that are financed by European funds.
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EPHA related article:
– EPHA section on tobacco and smoking
– Implementation of the tobacco advertising ban in Europe
– European Commission Green Paper on Smoke-Free places in Europe